Social services in Britain.

  • Great Britain. Central Office of Information. Reference Division.
Date:
1977
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Social services in Britain. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/92 (page 5)
    HEALTH THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE The National Health Service (NHS) is based upon the principle that everyone is entitled to the best medical care available, irrespective of means. The facilities of the NHS are largely free to users, and are available to all people normally resident in Britain regardless of nationality. Visitors may use the NHS if they need treatment for an unforeseen emergency but, in other circumstances, they may be asked to pay for treatment. Overseas residents who come to Britain wholly or mainly to seek treatment are expected to pay for it, and may be asked by the immigration authorities to produce evidence that they have arranged to do so. Advice about eligibility for NHS treatment may be obtained from the Department of Health and Social Security. Reciprocal health agreements are in operation between Britain and some other countries. In addition, under the social security arrangements of the European Community, United Kingdom nationals and nationals of other Community countries who are resident in Britain are entitled to urgent medical treatment in another Community country on the same basis as the insured nationals of that country. A more detailed account of British health services is contained in COI reference pamphlet Health Services in Britain, R5154. Finance The cost of the NHS is largely met from general taxation revenue. In addition a small part of the social security contribution payable in return for contribu- tory benefits is paid to the NHS. There are also charges paid by people using certain services; these include prescription charges which cover a small part of the cost and charges for dental treatment and for spectacles. Many groups of people such as retirement pensioners, war disablement pensioners, children under 16, pregnant women, or women who have borne a child in the previous 12 months, are exempt from prescription charges as are families with very low incomes. Dental examination is free but there are charges for treatment; these do not, however, apply to people under 21 years or to pregnant women or those who have borne a child in the previous 12 months. People exempt from charges for dentures are children and young people under 16 or still at school, pregnant women, and women who have borne a child in the previous 12 months. Children’s standard spectacles are free, but charges apply to other people having spectacles. Certain low income groups are exempt from dental] and optical charges. Some NHS hospitals make provision for patients to be treated privately on payment of the whole cost of their accommodation and treatment. How- ever, under the Health Services Act 1976, the Government is phasing out most private medical treatment from NHS hospitals. There is a limited number of amenity beds in hospitals for NHS patients wanting additional privacy; these are made available at a small charge as long as they are not required on medical grounds for non-paying patients. In 1976 over £6,000 million was spent on the health service.